Research Specialist - 2302

University of North Carolina Pembroke; Pembroke (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

University of North Carolina Pembroke is seeking a Research Specialist to maintain and manage facilities and equipment in the Biology department's teaching and research programs. The role supports faculty and students with laboratory operations, safety, and supplies management.

Responsibilities include setting up laboratories, maintaining equipment, keeping inventories, coordinating student assistants, and assisting with field and environmental projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience with laboratory operations and safety practices.
• Ability to work with diverse audiences including students, faculty, and community members.

Responsibilities

• Maintains and manages facilities associated with Biology and Environmental programs.
• Provides technical support for teaching and research in laboratories.
• Sets up scientific equipment, calibrates instrumentation, maintains inventories, and coordinates student lab assistants.
• Performs laboratory safety checks, waste disposal, and equipment maintenance; assists with field activities as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

Research Specialist - 2302

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Special Instructions

This position is subject to the successful completion of an employment background check. An employment background check includes a criminal background check, employment verification, reference checks, license verification (if applicable) and credit history check (if applicable). In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. New employees are paid only by direct deposit to the financial institution of their choice. Candidates claiming Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 as a part of the online application process.

UNC Pembroke is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibits discrimination against all individuals based on their age, race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and national origin. UNC Pembroke is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and seeks priority referrals of protected veterans for our openings.

Position Details

• Division: Academic Affairs
• Department: Biology
• Working Title: Research Specialist
• Vacancy Type: Probationary Permanent Full Time
• Min T/E Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Optional Guidelines: Contributing: 4 year degree; or an equivalent combination of training and/or related experience. Journey: 4 year degree + 1 year of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and/or related experience. Advanced: 4 year degree + 3 years of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and/or related experience.
• FTE: 1
• Position Overall Competency Level: J
• Recruitment Range: $45,454 - $54,670
• Anticipated Hiring Range: $54,670
• Position #: 2302
• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• Months per year: 12
• Work Schedule =e.g. 8-500: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Work Schedule Type: Monday - Friday
• Is this a grant funded position?: No
• If yes, please indicate the end date of the grant.(if applicable): N/A
• Primary Purpose of Organization Unit: The Department of Biology is responsible for teaching, research, and service
• Primary Purpose of Position: UNC Pembroke is seeking a Research Specialist to maintain and manage facilities associated with UNCP's Biology and Environmental programs. The specialist will work with UNCP faculty and staff to support activities related to teaching and research and community outreach. The specialist will provide technical support associated with animal, plant, and environmental projects, including preparation of materials, set-up and breakdown of laboratories, equipment maintenance, up-to-date inventories of materials and facilities, clear communication with department managers regarding material needs, and purchase of supplies and materials. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to work with diverse audiences including and not limited to undergraduate students, faculty, and other members of the wider community. Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills and abilities to work under demanding circumstances and independently are essential.
• Management Preference: Bachelor's Degree in related field and experience with technology related to microorganisms, biotechnology, and environmental field work.
• Lic or Certification required by statute or regulation: None

Posting Information

• Job Opening Date: 09/29/2026
• Job Closing Date: 10/14/2026
• Posting Category: Administrative Support
• Posting Number: SPA00762
• Quick Link to Posting: https://jobs.uncp.edu/postings/13750

Job Description

The component of Research Specialist duties includes laboratory maintenance to support teaching and training activities conducted specifically in the Department of Biology. Duties will be conducted and include, but not limited to, the set-up of scientific equipment for labs, maintaining lab supplies and disposables, equipment repair and regular maintenance, coordination and oversight of student lab assistants, application of scientific knowledge to plan lab operations, preparation of solutions and other materials needed for projects, calibration of instrumentation, transportation of students to field sites, sterilization of materials, cleanup and waste disposal, maintaining and testing safety equipment, exercising judgement based on theoretical knowledge, troubleshooting errors in applicable science when they occur.

This is a 40 hour per week position; however, some weekend work will be necessary.

The Hiring Official may consider candidates at the Contributing or Journey Levels.